How to Stop COVID-19 From Ruining Your Sex Life

Being cooped up inside because of COVID-19, also called Coronavirus, is depressing and lonely enough as it is, but for those who were previously enjoying or pursuing sexual relationships, limitations placed on physical contact with others can make things even harder.

While the virus isn't sexually transmitted per se, it can be transmitted through any kind of close contact, which definitely includes sex — in-person sex, at least.

But if you broaden your definition of sexual intimacy and get creative, you could not only continue to have a sex life, but also actually improve your sex life while practicing social distancing!

Here are some ways to stay sexually active if you’re currently avoiding close contact with others due to the virus.

1. Get Creative with Cyber Sex

Cyber sex can mean more than people give it credit for. It can mean masturbating together, dirty-talking to each other, or even doing a strip-tease over video, says CalExotics resident sexologist Dr. Jill McDevitt.

Try acting out different scenarios and using different props like toys and sexy outfits.

Read: 5 Ways to Add Heat to Long-Distance Love Affairs

2. Practice Your Sexting Skills

Now is the perfect time to learn how to keep things spicy over text. “Talk about what you’ve done in the past, what you want to do, and your recent sex dreams,” ASTROGLIDE’s resident sexologist Dr. Jess O’Reilly suggests. “You can use words, photos, videos, voice notes, and emojis to create an exciting sexual encounter.”

Read: Sexting: A Guide to the Erotic Power of Words

3. Write Erotic Stories

If you’re feeling inspired, go beyond a simple sext and write an erotic story about an experience you and your partner have shared, something you wish to try in the future, or something completely fictional.

“They don’t have to be good. The fun is in being creative and reading them out loud to each other later, which stimulates your sense of hearing at a time when sense of touch may be off limits,” says McDevitt.

Read: One-Handed Reading: 5 Reasons to Read Erotica

4. Flirt via Text or Phone

You don’t have to engage in full-on phone sex or sexting — a little flirtation can go a long way, especially if it’s with someone you’re still getting to know, says O’Reilly:

“When you show genuine desire and interest in them, it gives their ego a welcome stroke and sets the tone for what may be to come in the future.”

5. Eye Gaze

For eye gazing, a tantric activity to help you connect with a partner, you sit facing them, look into their left eye, and breathe out as they breathe in. You can do this over video chat if you don’t want to be that physically close to someone.

“It can feel awkward at first but may lead to feelings of connection and a boost in oxytocin,” says O’Reilly.

6. Talk About Your Sex Life

Even if you can’t have sex right now, you can discuss your sex life so that it’s amazing once you’re together, says McDevitt. Trying sending each other “yes/no/maybe” lists that indicate what you might be willing to try out.